Samani Shukla Pragya [email protected] Ph: 786 546 0442

Current Status: Jain Nun, Disciple of His Holiness Mahashramanji, the head of the Jain “Terapanth” sect & the chief spiritual guide of the “Jain Vishwa Bharati Institute”, India.

Initiation: 1999, New Delhi, under the auspicious guidance of Acharya Mahapragyaji.

Education: M.A. in Jainology, Comparative Religion & , 2002 – JVBI, Rajasthan India. NET (National Eligibility of Teaching) – in , Buddhism & Gandhian Studies, 2002, New Delhi, India. B.A. – in , Prakrit, Philosophy, 2000 – JVBI, Rajasthan, India.

Teaching experience: The teaching items listed below were taught to mostly community participants, and were not offered in a university setting. However, they were detailed offerings as indicated.

1. In 2009 & 2005, taught Prakrit language at JVB New Jersey, USA – This was taught over eight months. The class met for approximately four hours every week.

2. In 2008, conducted Preksha Meitation certificate course at JVB New Jersey, USA – This was a eight-weeks course, repeatedly offered for many groups over ten months. The class met for approximately three hours every week.

3. In 2004, tutored Sanskrit language at JVB London, UK. – This was taught over eight months. The class met for approximately four hours every week.

4. In 2002, taught Sanskrit in Brahmi Vidyapeeth, one of the schools in the campus of JVB, Ladnun, India, on honorary basis – This was taught over a year. The class met for approximately five hours every week.

Faculty Position: Assistant professor in Distance Education Department of JVBI, Rajasthan, since summer of 2011.

In 2012 - 13, launched and taught Preksha Life Skill a short certificate course in different places .

In 2012, taught Jainism & Comparative Religion and Philosophy', 'Preksha Meditation' and 'Science of Living' courses to Graduates and Under graduates over a year.

Guest Lectures in Universities: In India Janardanay Deemed University, Udaipur - Anekantvad (Non-Absolutism) in 2011 Choudhary Devilal University, Sirsa - Concept of -Aparigrah-Anekant in 2011 Choudhary Devilal College, Sirsa - Role of Ahimsa in Jainism in 2011 Jain Polytechnic College, Hanumangarh - Relativity and Lifestyle in 2011 D. N. A. National Education College, Sirsa -Non- Absolutism and Co-Existence in 2012 Bharatiya University, Coimbattore - Preksha Life skill in 2012 J.B memorial Girls college, Pilibanga - Women Empowerment in Jainism 2012 Jodhpur National University, Jodhpur - Preksha Life Skill Personality Development in 2012

In USA

Rollins College - Non-violence: a parameter of value in Jain in 2006 New Hampshire University - Introduction to Jainism in 2008 Columbia University - Relevance of Ahimsa in Modern Age in 2010 Florida International University - Preksha Meditation lectures in 2014

Languages: Prakrit, Sanskrit, Hindi, Rajasthani, Tamil and English.

Activities: Conducted Sanskrit and Prakrit language classes, conducting Preksha Meditation camps, Preksha Life Skills workshops for Stress release, Anger management, Memory management, attended many national & international conferences.

Other information: Travelled throughout India & abroad to U.S.A, London, Tokyo, Dubai, & Australia - to propagate Jainism, Preksha Meditation, Non-violence, Peace & Unity.

Participation: Attended “Parliament of world religions 2009” held in Melbourne, Australia.

Certificates of Participation: 1. Three months Soft Skill Training program held in 2011, conducted by Pradeep Chopra (Director of iLead Institute) held in JD Birla College, Kolkata, India. 2. One month German Language Course conducted by Prof. Karla in 2007 in JVBI . 3. One month “Prakrit Workshop” held by ‘Prakrit and Jaina Agam Department’, conducted by Prof. Jagatram Bhattacharya in JVB, London, UK in 2004.

Academic accomplishment: In 2010, December, designed and launched an innovative personality development & career oriented soft skill training package "Preksha Life Skills", a certificate course in India. {in collaboration with Samani Vinay Pragya at JVBI.} 1100 participants have benefitted by this course since 2011.

Publication: "Preksha Life Skill" Vol. 1 is published and is co-authored with Samani Vinay Pragya.